recommendation for architectural designer for grade 2, listed property

[4myfriend]

I hired an architect to do my planning application and while he was a master in the art of invoicing, he didn't seem to be skilled in the local planning laws. So I've had to flush that money down the toilet and withdraw my planning application. Can someone recommend a architectural technician who can do the application for me for a reasonable sum? I'm disheartened by my experience so far and really wondering how to keep the wolves out. TIA.

Also, will I be able to recover any of the money paid to my architect? He basically did drawings asking for double glazing my windows when the listed building guidance clearly states this won't be permitted. Also, someone I spoke to said the planning application did not appear to have been completed properly and did not site sections defending why the works shd be permitted. Would this qualify as incompetence? How much % can I claim back for this?thx.

Bump....help anyone?

Sounds like some degree of incompetence to me. Although planning law is national each local authority will have their own guides and policies so if he claimed to be familiar with those then I would write to him with a formal complaint and see what happens.

As regards using a technician, whilst many are very competent and experienced, as you have a listed building I would recommend that you try to find another architect, perhaps one who has specific experience in dealing with restoration and adaption of listed buildings.

I suppose someone could say ttah, as an architect "I would say that wouldn't I" but my sugestion is meant in the best interests of you and your home.

Where are you? We're in the south east and had an excellent architect who managed to get approval for a 2-storey extension where others had failed. It wasn't cheap though - think over £10k - and in the end we can't afford to proceed anyway, so money down the toilet for different reasons.

Having said that, he was a specialist in listed buildings and specifically in the style/age of building we own. He knew immediately what would and wouldn't get through and where we might want to "push the boundaries" to see what we could get away with. He was also reasonably local (next county) so familiar with the local authority guidelines and policies.

I wouldnt use an architecual technician for a listed building. I would use an architect.

Surely you can google an architect in your area and search 'historic schemes'. The man I use isnt actually an architect but has a background in history and is very competant. His drawings are superb and he has a great repior with the listed planning officer. He seems to have every book under the sun and is designing our garden too.

You have to find someone with a pasion for your building (I've lost mine) he takes us around to view other hsitoric buildings and notes all the wonderful details.

Yep. He costs but I dont have to get involved and before I was and it drove me mad. Actually I feel value for money is better than an actual architect.

We're hopefully buying a listed building too.
I was advised to use a local architect with experience in period properties who has a good relationship with local planners & heritage people.
Might save loads in the long run?

I agree with all of the above. As you now have a listed building you will have to get used to the idea that you can't do stuff on the cheap and that you have the responsibility of being a custodian for the nation. If you didnt know this and you dont like it then probably best to go and live in a non listed property! Sorry if that sounds harsh but if you are shocked at the red tape now then it can only get worse for you.

If on the other hand you are passionate about your building and just got the wrong professional then the best you can do is appeal to your first man's better side asking for a refund then learn to vet your next advisors to see that they have relevant experience.

If you want to know more the spab run excellent homeowner courses.

The quickest way to find a conservation architect is to look here

Interview a few. It is about the relationship as much as (or more than) the fees.

Good luck

Thanks for all your responses. Since I already had the meeting with the planning officer, we have agreed a proposal that is likely to be approved. So there isn't any designing to do as such. Just draw up what was discussed in cad and resubmit. hence the thought that an architectural technician would suffice. I live in Westminster council so would need someone central. As a custodian of a listed building, a I'm doing a lot of work to restore it to original state and I think that's the best use of my money. so don't agree on spending '000s more on another architect.

@ bacon, your guy sounds fab, would he work in London?
@ tricot, thx for the link, that's what I shd have looked for in the first place.